Hodge and Hodge

In *Hodge and Hodge*, heard by Justice Austin, the proceedings concerned parenting orders for a child born in May 2008. The dispute involved the arrangements for the child's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and communication between the parents.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders, including whether the parties should have equal shared parental responsibility, where the child should live, and the specific arrangements for the child to spend time with the father. The court also considered the need for communication between the parents and the completion of post-separation parenting programs. Furthermore, the court had to address applications for interim orders, including recovery orders.

Justice Austin made orders for equal shared parental responsibility, with the child to live with the mother. The father was to have the child for three consecutive days from Sunday to Tuesday, not more frequently than once per fortnight, with specific notice and handover arrangements involving the paternal grandmother. The mother was ordered to maintain a communication book for information exchange, and both parents were required to complete a post-separation parenting program. The court also noted that the father had already commenced such a program and the parties had begun using a communication book. The proceedings were transferred to the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia, Brisbane Registry, and interim applications for recovery orders and other interim matters were dismissed.